No Child Misses Out: NSW Government Expands Key Grants Programs

More children on the Northern Beaches will have access to upgraded facilities and better educational experiences, thanks to the NSW Government broadening the eligibility criteria of key early childhood grants programs.

Member for Manly James Griffin announced today that the Quality Learning Environments and Community Grants programs will now be extended to include not-for-profit long day care centres as well as community preschools.

Mr Griffin said he is thrilled more children in Manly and across the Northern Beaches will benefit from the grants, which have already been greatly received by a number of community preschools across region.

“I have already seen community preschools from Manly, to Balgowlah Heights to Manly Vale benefit significantly from the Quality Learning Environments and Community Grants programs, and now it’s time for Long Day Care centres to experience the benefits as well,” Mr Griffin said.

“I am urging eligible long day care centres on the Northern Beaches to consider applying for the grants, which will help ensure children in our region have access to the best-quality early education experience.”

Since the introduction of the program in 2018, the NSW Government has awarded more than 770 Quality Learning Environments grants, helping services across the state fund renovations and repairs, the purchase of particular infrastructure items, and specialised educational programs and activities, like yoga or dance classes.

Hundreds of services have also benefitted from the Community Grants program since its establishment in 2018, which aims to increase the number of disadvantaged children participating in an early childhood education program.

Applications for the Quality Learning Environments grants will open this month, and Community Grants in June.